Lake Michigan - Bay Beach, East River Watershed (LF01)
Lake Michigan - Bay Beach, East River Watershed (LF01)
Lake Michigan - Bay Beach (20)
0.07 Miles
0 - 0.07
Natural Community
Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.
Year Last Monitored
This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.
2018
Unknown
 
Brown
Trout Water 
Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.
No
Impaired Water 
A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.
Supported Aquatic Life
Waters that support fish and aquatic life communities (healthy biological communities).
Attainable Use
The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.
Default FAL
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
Designated Use
This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.
Default FAL
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Overview

Bacterial pollution in coastal waters is caused by a combination of point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Although point sources of bacterial contamination (e.g., industry, wastewater treatment facilities) are significant, nonpoint source pollution poses a much greater threat to the integrity of recreational water bodies because it comprises a diverse mixture of chemical and biological contaminants and is discharged from countless undefined sites within a given watershed. Pollutants accumulate in storm water as it is washed off impervious surfaces and discharged into local waterways. With increasing urbanization of the nation’s coastal areas, pollution of waterways by storm water is a growing concern. In a report to Congress, the EPA states that nonpoint sources of pollution are the greatest threat to the nation's water quality.9 Examples of point and nonpoint sources of pollution include these:

-Sanitary sewage overflows (SSOs)
-Combined sewer overflows (CSOs)
-Septic systems
-Boating waste discharge
-Urban storm water runoff
-Agricultural runoff
-Waste from domestic pets and wildlife

From: http://www.actionbioscience.org/environment/Jensen_McLellan.html

Date  2009

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Lake Michigan - Bay Beach, East River Watershed (LF01) Fish and Aquatic LifeLake Michigan - Bay Beach, East River Watershed (LF01) RecreationLake Michigan - Bay Beach, East River Watershed (LF01) Fish Consumption

General Condition

Waldo Area Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Baileys Harbor Ridges Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Zoo Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Whitefish Dunes State Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Whitefish Bay Boat Launch Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Tietjen Beach-Doctors Park, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Sister Bay Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Selner Park Beach (City Of Kewaunee), Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

School House Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Sandy Bay Town Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Rock Island State Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Portage Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

North Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Sand Dune Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Nicolet Bay at Penninsula State Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Newport Bay at Newport State Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Murphy Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Memorial Drive Wayside Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lily Bay Boat Launch Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lakeside Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Harrington State Park (S. Beach), Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

General King Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Europe Bay Beaches 1, 2, and 3 on Lake Michigan were evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. These beaches are on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Ephraim Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Egg Harbor Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Deland Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Concordia University Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Ellison Bay Town Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Bradford Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Blue Harbor Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Bender Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Atwater Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Anclam Park Beach, Door County, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Alford Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle: E. coli levels were below listing thresholds, as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Kohler Andrae Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for E. coli related recreational restrictions in 2006. This beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired. It was proposed for delisting in 2018.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Cedar Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan County Road D Boat Launch Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Crescent Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Sturgeon Bay Canal Recreation Area Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Jackson Harbor Ridges Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Gislason Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Clay Banks Beach 2 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach were meeting this designated use and were not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan - Parkway (Racine Beach) 52-004 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting its designated use and not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan - Lakeshore Drive Beach - Kenosha 30-003 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting its designated use and not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan - Maritime Dr Boat Launch/Beach 36-004 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting its designated use and not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Klode Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Wind Point Lighthouse Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Upper Lake Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Southport Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Sand Bay Beach 1, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Point Beach State Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Neshota Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Myers Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Harrington State Park Beach North, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Bayview Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Fish Creek Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Amsterdam Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Haines Park Beach, Lake Michigan was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan McKinley Beach was impaired for E. coli originally in 1998. Biennial evaluations between 2012 and 2018 showed lower levels of E. coli indicating no impairment. In 2020 however E. coli levels were elevated and indicate recreational restrictions. This beach was proposed for E. coli listing in 2020 and is considered impaired.

Date  2019

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Pennoyer Park Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2006. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan South Shore Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2004. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Lake Michigan Fischer Park Beaches were placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2016. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Lake Michigan Red Arrow Park Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 1998. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Lake Michigan YMCA Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2004. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Grant Park Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2006. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.

Reports

Recommendations

Monitor AOC Beneficial Use Impairments
Monitoring Aesthetics
Control Invasive Species
Winegar Pond is a 120-acre Lake Michigan coastal wetland located near the mouth of the Peshtigo River in the Green Bay of Wisconsin. We intend to install two fish passage structures that will prevent seasonal migration by carp but allow adult native gamefish to reproduce and annually recruit juvenile gamefish with access to the Peshtigo River and Green Bay. In addition to the fish passage structures, we will chemically treat and manage 100 acres of existing stands of phragmites directly adjacent to Winegar Pond.
Wastewater Monitoring or Management
Investigate & eliminate sewage leakage into storm sewers, thereby achieving immediate removal of human waste from Lake Michigan in general & Atwater Beach in particular.
Recreational Use Survey
Use high resolution multi-spectral aerial mapping technology to remotely identify the major factors contributing to beach pollution & deteriorated water quality in the nearshore areas of Lake Michigan that are included within the boundaries of Bay-Lake RPC.
Runoff Grant
All livestock barnyards within 300 ft. of streams that flow to Lake Michigan, in Manitowoc Co., with significant pollution ratings will be corrected.
Stormwater Planning, Implementation
We propose to test innovative environmental approaches to treating stormwater, using varied hydroperiods and native plants (at multiple diversity levels) to address not just suspended solids (as in conventional stormwater ponds) but also nitrogen and dissolved phosphorus, thus achieving beneficial outcomes for streams, wetlands and nearshore waters of Great Lakes watersheds.
Information and Education
In the Lake Superior, Green Bay and Milwaukee River basins, teams of teachers, students, resource personnel and citizens will engage in research, restoration and outreach, and adapt Earth Partnership curricula to extend the schoolyard to the shores of the Great Lakes and their watersheds. This pilot will combine with other Great Lakes education programs to create a comprehensive, inquiry and restoration-based approach, integrated with sustainability, biodiversity, pollution prevention, environmental literacy and service learning. The Second Phase will include basins in IL, IN, MI, OH and NY.
Project Deliverable
This project would expand existing (Racine and/or Milwaukee Counties) and establish new rapid test method labs in the Lake Superior region (serving Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron Counties), Door County (Serving Brown, Door, and Kewaunee counties), and Manitowoc (serving Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties). This project would provide all infrastructure required including all equipment and training needed to start using the qPCR rapid test methods. By leveraging current testing facilities (Ashland, Sturgeon Bay, Manitowoc, Racine, and Milwaukee) and using this capital investment all of Wisconsin's coastal waters would be able to get beach testing results within 4 hours.
Stormwater Planning, Implementation
The Village is proposing to repave an 18’ wide strip of pavement (the drive aisle) with a pervious strip that will reduce the volume of runoff leaving the parking lot. The Village would also make improvements to divert a greater portion of the runoff from the parking lot to the existing biofilter.
Habitat Restoration - Upland
This project will restore 1390 acres of globally imperiled barrens habitat (G1, G2) in the Fox River watershed of the Lake Michigan Basin
Aquatic Plant Management Project
Remove Phragmites & Lyme grass from 118 miles and 3600 acres of shoreline
Aquatic Invasives Research
Through prevention, education, and monitoring we will create a tight barrier at WI Great Lakes that limit invasive species movements into and out of the GL and inland lakes.
County Land and Water Management Plan
Door County Soil & Water Conservation Department proposes to conduct a phased approach to the development of protection strategies for its waters including lakes. This phase of the project will collect and analyze information regarding surface water resources in order to develop specific implementation recommendations for phase II indlucing upgrading regulatory programs. Project deliverables shall include a draft and final report containing: 1) an inventory and classification of county inland lakes; 2) appropriate supporting data and maps and; 3) recommendations specifying phase II implementation activities including proposed regulatory standards for shoreland and lake protection.
Lake Classification
Kewaunee County proposes to conduct a county-wide inventory, analysis and classification of its surface water resources with the intent to develop a comprehensive land use and resource protection plan. This grant will go to aid in the development of that plan that pertains to the Krohn's and Three Mile/Alaska Lakes and watersheds and will address ordinance concerns specific to the needs of those lake resources. A public involvement and education program will be developed and accompany project development.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Will not delist. E. coli data highly variable. Would like another year of data before delisting. AU: 3992139; Station ID: 10012574
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Monitor Targeted Area
Approximately 24 samples are collected on a flow weighted basis from 5 major tributaries. Rivers include the Menominee, the Fox, the Manitowoc, the Sheboygan and the Milwaukee.
Monitor Targeted Area
Increase water quality inventory, monitoring and biological assessment of the Port Washington Harbor, including thermal and nutrient monitoring.
Improve Public Access
We will continue to work with the City of Port Washington to maintain and enhance fishing opportunities in the Port Washington Harbor.

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Grants and Management Projects

Monitoring Projects

Watershed Characteristics

Lake Michigan is located in the East River watershed which is 206.32 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (43.70%), suburban (19.50%) and a mix of grassland (14.70%) and other uses (22.10%). This watershed has 432.18 stream miles, 7,625.39 lake acres and 6,193.00 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, Not Available for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.

Natural Community

Lake Michigan - Bay Beach's natural community is not yet identified under the state’s Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results and DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.